The Challenge of Teacher Education in the 21st Century: Between Scarcity and Technological Innovation

Abstract

The teaching practice in the contemporary educational context requires the teacher to adapt to the technological, social, and pedagogical changes of the 21st century. The educator's role goes beyond simply transmitting content, encompassing the mediation of learning and promoting collaborative and critical learning. Teacher training, therefore, must be guided toward the development of competencies that allow educators to respond to new educational demands, using technology as tools to facilitate knowledge construction. However, the Brazilian reality still faces challenges regarding teachers' initial training, with the precariousness of undergraduate courses and the lack of adequate working conditions. Continuing education emerges as a necessity to fill these gaps but often limits itself to compensatory actions, far from the goal of updating and deepening knowledge. For education to be effective, it is essential to invest in policies that promote teacher appreciation, improve their working conditions, and encourage the continuous development of their skills. Teacher appreciation and recognition are crucial for building a fair and efficient educational system that meets the needs of the 21st century and provides quality education for all. Therefore, the training and appreciation of teachers are central issues for the success of the educational process and for the future of new generations.